by Alexa Aston
“Wait,” she said as he started to climb onto the bed.
She rose to her knees and placed her palms against his chest. Lightly, she ran her hands along him, over his nipples. Then she tweaked them playfully. Before he could speak, her hands glided lower, brushing his belly, then coming to where his manhood jutted out. Nan clasped it in her hand and stroked it. Tristan shuddered. She pulled on it, bringing him down onto the bed with her.
They explored one another with slow curiosity, taking their time to learn what the other liked. Finally, he hovered above her, his fingers pushing into her as she writhed upon the bed. Nan gasped and quivered, her hips bucking as she came. He covered her mouth with his to muffle her cries and plunged into her, knowing it would hurt her but hoping the pain would be short lived. Once she got used to him, he began thrusting slowly, gaining speed as he kissed her with a passion unknown to him.
He climaxed with a pleasure so intense, he thought he might die from the sensations. Tristan collapsed onto Nan and quickly rolled until she rested atop him. He kissed her over and over, knowing he would never grow tired of the taste or feel of this woman.
The woman he loved.
Chapter 24
Nan awaited the arrival of her parents, standing beside Tristan as she had the day before when David had returned from Sandbourne with Michael, Elysande, and his brother. Greeting her relatives had only been half of the fun. The most satisfying part had been watching David reunite with Gillian and seeing him introduce his parents to her. Elysande greeted Gillian with a love that radiated from her, sweeping the younger Therolde into her arms as if she’d found a long-lost daughter. Knowing Gillian had been motherless for so long and seeing how quickly these two women took to one another touched Nan’s heart.
The familiar de Montfort banner rounded the corner and a rider broke away from the pack. Hal galloped ahead and brought his horse to a halt next to where she stood. He leapt from the beast’s back and captured her waist, lifting her high as he twirled twice in a circle as she laughed. Setting her back onto the ground, Hal wrapped his arms around her and held her tight.
Nan looked up at him. “I am so glad to see you.”
He kissed her cheek, love for her shining in his eyes. “I couldn’t be happier for you, Sister.” Releasing her, he turned to Tristan and eyed him a moment before thrusting out his hand.
Tristan took it and as they shook, Hal said, “I hope you realize if you ever make her unhappy that the wrath of the de Montforts will descend upon you.”
The old Tristan would have withdrawn and become aloof at such teasing. Instead, he boldly looked Hal in the eye and said, “Nan will never have a moment of unhappiness. I guarantee it.”
Hal smiled his approval and slapped Tristan on the back.
Then Tristan said, “I know you’ve taught Nan many things over the years. What I wish for you to teach me is how to produce that earth-shattering whistle.”
The two men laughed, already brothers-in-arms. Having Hal’s blessing upon her upcoming marriage meant the world to her.
Nan turned and saw her father handing her mother from her horse. “Move your horse,” she ordered Hal and he led the animal a few feet away. She threw her arms around her mother and said, “It seems as if it’s been years since I last saw you.”
Merryn de Montfort hugged her, the familiar scent of vanilla wafting toward Nan. She pulled away and took her mother’s arm, leading her to a waiting Tristan.
“Mother, I would like to introduce to you Lord Tristan Therolde.”
Tristan bowed deeply and took Merryn’s hand, brushing a kiss across her knuckles. Nan saw her mother smiled warmly at the nobleman even as her eyes assessed everything about him.
“Enough of that!” Geoffrey said, claiming his wife’s hand again and kissing it for good measure. “You have your own woman now, Lord Tristan.”
“I do, indeed, my lord, if you and Lady Merryn approve of our match.”
Geoffrey said, “We trust Nan. If she believes you are her one true love, then we welcome you with open arms. I will tell you that you are getting a beautiful, spirited woman as your wife.” He grinned. “Then again, I’m quite partial to her.” He embraced his daughter, kissing the top of her head.
As her parents continued speaking with Tristan, Jessimond finally made her way to Nan. She hugged the younger girl.
“What do you think of Tristan?” she asked her sister.
Jessimond cocked her head and looked Tristan’s way. “He’s very handsome, of course, but I knew you would always find a handsome man to wed.” She glanced back at Nan. “But I see a change in you, Nan. A good change. I think you and Lord Tristan are meant to be together. I will be honored to welcome him into our family.”
“I would like it if you stayed with us at Thorpe Castle awhile, Jess. I’ll admit that the keep has been sorely neglected for years. You have a good eye and are much better with domestic matters than I could ever be. Would you be willing to extend your visit and help me turn this place into a home?”
Jessimond’s face lit up. “Oh, Nan, you know I will. Thank you for asking me.” She wrapped her arms around Nan’s waist. “Can I tell Mother and Father?”
“Certainly. You will need their permission to do so but I don’t think that will be a problem.”
“I’ll ask Mother now.” Jessimond hurried away and Nan saw that Elinor now approached.
“I am so glad to see you,” Nan told her sister-in-law. “Are you keeping Hal on the straight and narrow path?”
“What do you think?” she asked as she hugged Nan. “Oh, I can see how joyful you are. I am delighted that you have found your own Hal to love.”
“I never knew it could be like this,” Nan confided, her voice low.
Elinor’s cheeks pinkened. “You mean . . . you have . . .”
Nan grinned. “We most certainly have. Every day—for almost a week. And it’s divine.”
Both women chuckled.
Elinor looked around. “I have only told Hal but I wanted to share with you that you will be an aunt again,” she confided. “’Tis early but I am certain that shortly after the new year appears, so will our babe.”
She hugged Elinor again. “I hope I can say the same soon. It would be nice for us to have children that would be close in age.”
“Nan,” Tristan called. “Come inside. The others are waiting. Gillian has made sure refreshments are available.”
Linking her arm through Elinor’s, they entered the keep. Soon, conversation flowed rapidly as the de Montforts met Gillian and enjoyed catching up with the Devereux family. David’s brother, Tucker, had come with his parents, but their sister was too heavy with child to travel to the wedding. David promised Gillian that he would take her to meet her new sister in the near future.
Nan went and pulled her mother aside so they could speak privately. She led Merryn to a corner of the great hall and the women sat facing one another.
“What do you think?” she asked.
Merryn looked back to where Tristan stood, talking with Hal and Drew, who had accompanied the de Montforts to Leventhorpe.
“Physically, Lord Tristan is the same man that your father described to me after they met at Sandbourne. His disposition seems different than what it once was, though. Geoffrey told me Lord Tristan was quiet. Reserved. The man I see before us has changed.”
Tristan glanced over at them and gave Nan a tender smile before he turned back and gave Hal his full attention.
Her mother took her hands. “I know it’s because of you, Nan. You have opened his mind and heart. I see a man with a bright future. One who loves and is loved by the lovely woman in front of me.” Merryn squeezed Nan’s hands for emphasis. “You’ve always brought me such happiness over the years, Nan. To have seen you grow from a sweet babe to an inquisitive child to the talented, capable woman you now are has been one of my greatest pleasures of my life.”
Tears filled Nan’s eyes. “I love you, Mother. So much. I know I wasn’t always the
easiest child.”
“I had hoped you would be interested in the things I am, as Alys was. It took me time to understand that you were your own person with your own interests.” Merryn stroked Nan’s hair. “I know we haven’t always agreed on everything, but you have followed your heart—and look where it led you.”
Nan sighed in contentment. “To the man I love. Oh, Mother, to have what you and Father have? I never thought this could happen to me. I love Tristan so very much.” She paused. “I only hope you are not disappointed that we’ve decided to marry here at Leventhorpe instead of the nuptial mass taking place at Kinwick.”
“I could never be disappointed in you, dearest Nan. I think the idea of Tristan and his sister marrying on the same day at their home is a blessing.” Merryn looked to the group they’d separated from. “I think your future husband misses you. Let’s rejoin the others.”
Nan and Merryn strolled back and Nan went to stand beside Tristan. His arm encircled her waist, giving her a sense of serenity and security.
He bent and whispered into her ear, “I see the love between your parents and know the same is in store for us in the years to come.”
Nan nodded, knowing it would be true.
*
Nan awoke, Tristan’s arms around her as he held her against his chest while he slept. Today would be her first day as a wedded wife. Yesterday, she and Gillian had spoken their vows with Tristan and David in front of their loved ones. Nan was pleased that all of her siblings and their families had arrived in time to witness the ceremony. Though with child, Margery was feeling much better and had made the journey from Bexley with Ancel, Cyrus, and Miranda. Edward and Rosalyne had arrived from Shallowheart with their two, small children. Alys and Kit’s twins, Philippa and Wyatt, had done wonders entertaining all the little ones. Even Uncle Hugh and Aunt Milla Mantel had been able to attend. Minutes before the nuptial mass began, Avelyn and Kenric had arrived with their son and announced that their daughter would marry in a month. She was now at her betrothed’s estate and hoped everyone would come together again to celebrate their nuptials.
She stroked Tristan’s arm with her thumb, marveling at their love play. Sometimes when they came together, he could be so tender and gentle that she felt like a treasured piece of glass that he didn’t want to break. Other times, he became so fierce and passionate that Nan thought he was a flame which consumed her whole. Last night, he had taught her something new. She had ridden atop him, in charge of every move, feeling every bit as majestic and beautiful as he told her she was each day.
His lips suddenly caressed her neck as his fingers splayed wide against her belly. Slowly, they glided down to the curls at the apex of her legs and began a teasing dance that aroused her.
“You are already ready for me,” Tristan whispered in her ear.
Nan chuckled. “I think I stay that way.”
This time, their love play was lengthy, building from slow, long caresses until Tristan finally entered her. She urged him on, whispering endearments to him, until they both reached their peaks and lay exhausted in one another’s arms.
“Your father said he wished to speak to us this morning,” Tristan informed her. “Do you know why?”
“Nay. He said nothing of it to me. Mayhap he wants to invite us to Kinwick so you can see where I grew up.”
They dressed and broke their fast. Nan had already told her husband that he would need to write to the bishop and seek a priest for Leventhorpe. She’d told him faith was the foundation on which they would begin to rebuild their estate and that she would expect everyone at Thorpe Castle to attend mass daily once a man of God had been permanently sent to them.
Helping one another dress, they finally arrived downstairs to a plethora of noisy conversations. So many de Montforts and their relatives occupied the great hall and their talk filled the room.
“There’s Father,” Nan said, spying him with his cousin, Raynor, and Kenric and Edward.
They went around the room acknowledging everyone until they arrived at where Geoffrey de Montfort was engaged in conversation.
He greeted them and then said, “Could we adjourn to your solar to discuss private matters?”
They agreed and he signaled to Merryn to join them. Once upstairs, the two couples seated themselves.
“Nan wrote to me of her idea to help build up Leventhorpe when she told us of your marriage,” Geoffrey began. “I have spoken to others in the family and they are willing to ask for two of their knights to come to Thorpe Castle and join in service to you. That would be men from Kinwick, Wellbury, Ashcroft, Sandbourne, Shadowfaire, Brentwood, Bexley, and Shallowheart.”
“Truly?” Nan did the figures in her head. “So many?”
“Family helps one another,” her father said. “Leventhorpe suffered some terrible losses during the peasants’ rebellion. Having talented soldiers will be a start to bolstering the estate.”
“And we will each ask one family from all of our properties to relocate to Leventhorpe,” Merryn added. “Of course, you will have to make it worth their while, giving them a large portion of land to farm and a cottage to live in.”
Tristan shook his head. “I am dumbstruck at such an offer but we have more than enough land for that number of tenants. I’ve also spoken with Edward and Hal about raising sheep here and will continue to breed horses I purchase from Sandbourne.” He looked from Geoffrey to Merryn. “I cannot begin to thank you for such support, my lord, my lady.”
“Please. We are Geoffrey and Merryn now,” Merryn said with a smile. “We are your family, Tristan, and hope you will always think of us in that manner.”
“Little did I know when I decided to wed Nan that I would be marrying such a large group of people, as well,” Tristan teased. He embraced both de Montforts, as did Nan.
“We have something else to discuss,” Geoffrey said. “Nan, will you bring in Drew? He should be waiting outside the solar.”
She rose and opened the door. Drew stood in the corridor, shuffling his feet. “Come in,” she encouraged.
“Do you know why I’m here?” he whispered.
Nan shrugged. “It’s a mystery to me.”
“Have a seat, Drew,” Geoffrey said.
The squire did, an apprehensive look on his face. “Am I . . . am I in trouble, Lord Geoffrey?”
“Nay, but we have important matters to discuss with you. First, I want you to know how much Merryn and I have enjoyed having you foster at Kinwick all these many years.”
Gratitude filled Drew’s face. “You have been as a father and mother to me, my lord. I couldn’t have asked to go to a better place than Kinwick.”
“You also have done well in regards to Nan. You have befriended her and protected her all her life. That has not gone unnoticed.”
Drew grinned. “Nan and I are the best of friends. As close as brother and sister.”
“What I suggest is that we go ahead and hold your knighthood ceremony tomorrow. Here at Thorpe Castle.”
“My lord?” Drew looked confused, but Nan suddenly knew what her father was up to.
“You have proven yourself beyond measure and I think the sooner you become a knight, the better. But there’s more to it,” Geoffrey continued. “The choice will be yours to make. You may take your oath and do one of three things. Return to your home and serve your brother. Remain at Kinwick and take your place in my barracks.
“Or you may accept an offer from Lord Tristan and pledge your loyalty to him and his family and the people of Leventhorpe.”
Drew’s jaw dropped. Nan didn’t bother to hide her smile.
Her friend now looked to Tristan. “You would have me in your service, my lord?”
“I cannot think of a man I would want more than you, Drewett Stollars,” Tristan said. “Your experience and loyalty cannot be bought.”
Drew looked back to Geoffrey. “All my life, I hoped and prayed that I would be given the chance to remain at Kinwick, my lord. But I see a world of opportunity awa
iting me here at Leventhorpe. Lord Tristan needs good men.” He looked back to Tristan. “I would be honored to become one of your knights, my lord.” Then he glanced to Nan. “And you know I would give my life for you, my lady.”
Nan leapt to her feet as Drew did the same and they threw their arms around one another in glee.
“We can stay together,” Nan told him. “Why, you can tutor my children in swordplay!” she exclaimed.
“And archery,” Drew added. “I’ve become quite adept at teaching those skills to others.”
Glancing over Drew’s shoulder through a blur of tears, Nan mouthed a thank you to her father and then caught the wink Tristan gave her.
Nan had wed a man she loved completely and would continue to share in a friendship with another man she respected. She looked forward to all the years to come.
Epilogue
Thorpe Castle—August, 1417
“Look—a butterfly!” Anne broke away, leaving the cool shadows of the forest and running into the nearby meadow.
Nan followed her six-year-old granddaughter, marveling at how curious Anne was about the world around her. Though she loved her two grandsons dearly, Anne was the first granddaughter born to one of her five children. Nan had been secretly thrilled that they named the babe in honor of her grandmother.
Emerging from the woods, Nan paused a moment. ’Twas at this very spot that she had taken the life of two men many years ago. She never crossed the place without thinking about those days and how terrified she’d been when she and Gillian had been taken against their will. Fortunately, in the almost thirty years since, she had never once seen the Baron of Wycliffe. Word somehow got out about what the nobleman had done and the power he’d wielded in Essex waned away. Men in this area had begun to look to Tristan Therolde for guidance and continued to do so decades later.
She watched Anne chase the butterfly until the insect flew too far and fast for the young girl to keep up. Anne returned to her side.
“Can we practice archery now, Grandmother? I’m getting better, aren’t I?”
